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When Distraction Leads to Death and Injury

DALLAS, Texas. We’ve heard quite a bit about the dangers of distracted driving in recent years. We know that using a cell phone behind the wheel takes thousands of lives each year and leads to thousands more injuries. Yet, distracted driving is not the only way that distraction proves risky in our modern lives. The Atlantic recently wrote about the dangers of distracted parenting or distracted childcare. Is your child at risk? As summer approaches and more families take to the pool or the beach, the risk of drowning and water injuries increase.

According to the Atlantic, parents may be more physically present in their children’s lives than ever before, but it isn’t clear whether parents are emotionally present. Why? Parents and caregivers are increasingly distracted by their smartphones and technology—and this can pose real risks for children. Distracted parenting can be deadly. According to CNN, on average, 36 children die in hot cars each year. Parental distraction and split attention has been cited as one of the main culprits.

As summer approaches, more families might be spending time by the pool. Distracted parents can put their children at greater risk of injury in the playground or around the water. And, then there’s the risk that caretakers, baby sitters, or child care workers will be distracted while caring for children. What is your day care’s policy on phone use while on the job? How strictly is it enforced? Is it a no-tolerance policy? Do you have a no-tolerance policy on phone use with your baby sitter? Now might be the time to consider these questions.

The risks to children can be subtle as well. Children need attention to properly develop and grow. Children who are exposed to language at a young age are more likely to do better in school. Researchers have found that not only did childhood injuries increase among parents who used smartphones, but also children may be missing out on important communication with parents who may be distracted by a text or email.

Researchers have observed children around their parents who are using their phones. The researchers found that the children often made bids for attention and showed signs of distress when they were ignored. While babies and young children will often work to draw their parent’s attention, if the parent is chronically unavailable it still remains unclear what impact this can have on a child’s development.

Distracted driving and parenting can be dangerous. Have you spoken to your child’s care takers about cell phone use? Do your children’s teachers put down the phone? If your child was hurt or injured due to a distracted caretaker, you may have certain rights under the law. The Law Offices of Robert Gregg are personal injury lawyers in Dallas, Texas who work closely with families who have suffered as a result of another person’s negligence or neglect. From distracted driving to distracted day care workers, the Law Offices of Robert Gregg offers caring and compassionate counsel in Dallas, Texas.

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